Wii U apps are software programs and applications that are available on the Wii U operating system. The Wii U apps will be available in the form of Wii U channels and other apps that can be downloaded. For example some of the Wii U apps include Netflix and Hulu movie streaming, Internet channel for browsing, and so on. Finally, Nintendo is rumored to allow third parties to create apps for the Wii U, where the apps can range from mini games for the Wii U controller, to productivity, entertainment, lifestyle, and other apps. The apps are expected to be both free and paid, with Nintendo taking a percentage of app revenue, much like Apple does with iOS apps. The Wii U apps will be sold and downloaded through the Wii U eShop channel.

Types of Wii U apps

According to reports, Nintendo will allow a wide variety of apps to be offered through the app store. These apps include:

Productivity apps (writing, drawing apps, calculators etc.)

Mini games (puzzle games, chess, cards, etc.)

Media (Netflix, Hulu, movie streaming apps)

Social networking apps (Facebbook, Twitter)

Utilities (Weather, stocks, etc.)

Of course, the variety of apps is practically limitless, it all depends on how much and what kind of Wii U apps Nintendo will allow on the network. It’s unlikely that large gaming apps will be allowed due to competition from regular Wii U game sales. Regarding pricing, it’s unknown what kind of cut Nintendo will take from developers who sell apps for the Wii U, but all rumors points towards a 70/30 split, much like Apple and Google do with their app stores.

It’s unknown what kind of limitations Nintendo will impose on app makers. While there are many possibilities for all sorts of apps, it’s implausible that Nintendo will allow game apps to be published. This is largely due to competition from the regular Wii U games, the games sold on Wii U Ware indie distribution platform, and the Wii U Virtual Console service, which sells older Nintendo games. It is therefore possible that Nintendo will keep the app store only for apps that are non-gaming related.

gNat

Some should be free but others such as the minigames should be bought w/ points earned through gaming.

shadowfan2z

But they should make a LITE version of every mini game app. Just like some of the apps on the Apple App Store.

Vehdrehl

It’ll be interesting to see, with this new direction Nintendo are possibly taking, if someone ‘jailbreaks’ and eventuates a tweak store like Cydia.

Herox95

I don’t think jailbreaking a Wii U is necessary because you could get charged at any point. So what I’m hoping for is that Team Fortress 2 could be in the Wii U AppStore, for free, or the eShop!

Herox95

And possibly Minecraft and Terraria!! 😀 😀 😀

nicholas

@herox95

Sorry, but I don’t see any TF2 or Terraria coming to the Wii U, it would just be a huge hardware change, and unless the Wii U has hardware that is twice as powerful as the third party developers have stated, those games just won’t run. Minecraft, however is a possibility, but only if the Wii U gains some serious traction.

whatchutalkinbout

Are you kidding? Why would the Wii U not be able to run TF2, much less Terraria? There’s no reason to speculate those games are coming to Wii U, but it would likely run either in 1080p at 60fps.

archadeus

You obviously know nothing about console hardware capabilities. Guys, pretty much any game can be adapted and run on the WiiU, it is very powerful. It is just a matter of whether not said game studio wants to put their resources towards porting the game to the WiiU, because profits might not be worth the developing costs.